Rail spike



Sept 30, 1941- G. w. MULLER' RAIL SPIKE 2 Sheets-Sheet l Filed Feb. l5, 1940 sept. 3o, 1941. G. WMULLER Y 2,257,640

' 'l RAIL SPIKE Filed Feb. 15, 1940 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 l 5 [Vg-Imwgflllllllllmlll" 46:

Patented Sept. 30, 1941 fUlNITED ASTATE.

s yPATE NroFFICE] Thisf invention relates to spikes lparticularly adapted vfor use in fastening railway rails to Vties and associated tie plates.

Regardless' of character and solidity of railroad beds, the rails are subject to vibration` `under'the weight of heavy rolling stock and this vibration is a, problem which must be taken into consideration in the design of spikes for normally holding the rails in proper position.

Asis generally known, the original practice in railroad construction 'consisted in laying the rails eitherrdirectly on the ties or on metal plates resting onthe ties and driving relatively heavy spikesinto the ties, the spikes having overhanging heads for locking engagement with the opposed edges of the rail flanges. c

While this construction was satisfactory to the extent that the rails were rmly secured in proper position to the ties, nevertheless the repeated vertical vibrations set up in the rails as `occasioned by rolling stock moving thereover soon resulted in the loosening of the spikes with the result that the heads thereof no longer normally engaged the rail flanges and consequently the rails were free to creep as well as undergoing a much more pronounced vertical vibration.

This objection was to an extent overcome in the introduction of spikes having yieldable heads whereby the rails were permitted to vi brate but the yieldable heads maintained pressure Contact with the rail flanges and accordingly normally held them in firm engagement with the ties or tie plates. l

'The yieldable or flexible `spikes heretofore proposed or used however, presented various objections and did not vmeetthe maximum requirements of devices of this general character. SuchA flexible spikes as' heretofore proposed generally included a curved head capable of flexing and having engagement with the rail flanges. A

These curved heads however included in many instances bends or circular portions which expanded upon upward flexing of the rail flange engaging portions with the result thatthe metal in such bends was repeatedly subjected to strain and which resulted sooner or later in rupture or ati-least weakening the metallic structure to such an extent that the yieldablehead no longer offered suicient resistance to hold the rails `in firm engagement with the ties and consequently the rails crept and `werelfreeto vibrate to an undesired extent. j i l "Furthermore, the priorconstructions were ob- -j'ectionable to the extent that they were not so designed as to positively preclude withdrawal thereof from the ties upon upward movement "of the rails during vibration thereof. i

It is accordingly `a primary object of this invention to provide afmetallic spike for operative association with a raill and supporting tie plate which embodies a' shank and a yieldable 'rail flange4 engaging head` capable of flexing 'upwardly under compression without undue `strain in the material thereofwherebyv therail flangeis indefinitely engagedby'a constant pressure and thereby retained in normal position while being permitted to vibratevunder the weight of rolling stock. I

It is a further l:object ofthe invention to provide a jspike vhaving an elongated shank for `'projection jthroughjan aperture in a tie plate andinto atie, and a-yield'ablefhead embodying a bent portion and a rail flange engaging portion Yunder-slung with respect to the bent portion whereby the yloentportion will contract upon upward'flexing `of the railfiange engaging portion. -Y

"It" is a still further objectof the invention to provide a spike having an elongated shank for engagement `Ythrough a tie plate vaperture and into a tie, a yieldable rail flange vengaging head portion andv means associated with the shank and head portion whereby both the rail flange and tie plate are engaged under constantly increasing pressure asthe head portion is flexed by compression upon upward movement of therail ange engaged thereby.

A still further object of the inventionis the provision of a spike of the above noted character which includes stop means for limiting movement ofthe spike into `a tie and assuring uniform'pressure engagement between the spike head and a; rail engaged thereby.

A` still further object of theinvention is the provision of a spike having a yieldable rail flange engaging portion and an elongated shank having means associated therewith for preventing withdrawal of the spike from a tie after'having been driven thereinto.

A still further object of the invention is the provision of a spike of the above noted character which is simple' in construction, capable of readymanufacture` at relatively'low cost and which is highly efficient in the use to which it is intended. i i

For a more complete understanding `of the nature and objects ofthe invention, reference will be had tothe following detailed description,

taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a preferred form of spike and which as shown embodies a dual gripping head including oppositely positioned portions longitudinally of a rail and which in cooperation with a rail flange functions as a double-hold spike.

Figure 2 is a horizontal section below the ball of a rail and illustrating the rail anges, tie plates, and-associated spikes of the character shown in Figure 1 in top plan.

Figure 3 is a view partially in vertical section and partially in side elevation particularly illustrating the operative relation between a nail flange, tie plate, and one of the improved spikes.

Figure 4 is a side elevational view of the spike illustrated in Figure 1 together with a,Y tool illustrated in perspective, for driving the spike into a tie.

Figure 5 is a transverse section through a tie, a tie plate, and the lower portion of a rail, particularly illustrating the operative relation of opposed spikes to the rail anges.

Figure 6 is a sectional perspective view disclosing a pair of the improved spikes in operative association with a tie plate and rail flange.

Figure '7 is a transverse section through a portion of a rail and tie plate and disclosing a modiiied form of spike in operative association with the rail and tie plate.

Figure 8 is a top plan view of the structure illustrated in Figure '7.

Figure 9 is a broken side elevational view of the structure illustrated in Figure 7.

A further embodiment of the invention.

Figure 16 is a top plan view of the improved spike illustrated in Figure 15.

Figure 17 is an edge elevational view as observedrfrom the left of Figure 15.

Figure 18 is a view similar to Figure 7 depicting a still further embodiment of the invention.

Figure 19 is a top plan view of the structure illustrated in Figure 18.

Figure 20 is a view similar to Figure l18 depicting a still further embodiment of the invention.

VReference will now be made to the accompanying drawings for a detailed description of the invention and as the preferred embodiment of the invention is disclosed in Figures 1 to 6 inclusive, reference will iirst be made to these gures.

It is to be observed however, that the improved spikes in all the physical embodiments thereof are adapted for use with the standard tie plates P resting upon the ties T and supporting the rails R Y Y The improved spike Ill in the preferred embodiment; thereof and as illustrated in Figure 1 is an integral structure and is formed from a single length or strip of steel preferably (though not necessarily) of rectangular cross section. In the formation of the spike, the steel strip is bent upon itself midway of its length thus defining a shank II consisting of a pair of yieldable and normally diverging portions I2.

The steel strip or portions I2 adjacent their upper or free ends are oppositely or outwardly bent at I3, then downwardly at I4 and thence inwardly at I5 thereby providing opposed undery slung rail flange engaging portions I6.

It is to be particularly noted that the inwardly extending portions I5 are disposed to one side of the shank portions I2 and that such portions I5 are bent or twisted adjacent their free ends such that the lower surfaces thereof are parallel with the sloping surfaces of the rail flanges as is clearly indicated in Figure 5.

The shank portions I2 are preferably each provided with an outward bend or bow I1 and the lower or free end of the shank II is preferably bevelled off as at I8 to facilitate entrance of the spike into the tie plate holes and the ties.

This improved spike as well as the other embodiments later to be described is adapted for use with the standard tie plates P and while in assembly the ties are in many instances pre-bored for the reception of holding spikes, in instances where such holes are not pre-bored or in specially hard wood ties I provide a tool for driving the spikes into the ties and while the tool illustrated in Figure 4 is shaped for this particular form of spike, other tools may readily be shaped for driving the spikes according to the other embodiments of my invention.

This tool as illustrated in Figure 4 comprises a body or dolly 20 having a hammer or maul engaging projection 2l, a handle 22 and lateral portions 23 which serve as stops upon engaging the tie plate and rail ilange for limiting and accurately gauging the distance to which the spike is driven into the tie.

With this tool or by other appropriate means the spikes I0 are driven into the holes in the tie plates P and into the ties 'I' and the bows or bends I 'I are so positioned that they will be disposed immediately below the bases of the tie plates when the spikes have been entered to such extent that the rail flange engaging portions I6 are slightly flexed or are in pressure contact with the rail flanges f.

As before stated, the shank portions I2 normally diverge and upon driving the spikes into operative position such shank portions will contact but will slightly retract after having been driven thus engaging the tie with a firm frictional grip and the bends I'I disposed immediately below the tie plates will positively preclude withdrawal 0f the spikes from their fixed operative positions in the ties and tie plates.

The spikes are constructed of good quality spring steel and while the shank portions I2 in themselves when in applied position play a part in the maintenance of the rails onthe tie plates, it is to be particularly noted that the opposed bends I 3, I4, I5 includes substantial lengths of the spring steel strip wherebythe railliange engaging portions I6 are endowed with sulicient yieldability to accommodate upward and downward movement or Yvibration of the rails while at the same time remaining at all times in firm yieldable contact with such flanges and by disposing the portions I6 to one side of the shank portions I2 the portions I 6 are unhampered in their vibratory movements.

This form of spike provides what may well be termed a double-hold action on the rails as the opposed bends and longitudinally disposed flange engaging portions IE operate to 4prevent .creeping of the rails as one lower end or Lbend will counteract the other while at the same time permitting vibration of the rails with yieldable retention thereof against tipping movement.4

Contrary to the practice now in vogue, the flat shapes, `curves or bends in my improved spikes are, in all the embodiments thereof so formed that the rail fiange engaging portions, as the portions I6 are under-slung. That is, the rail ffiange engaging portions are sodisposed relative 4to. the rectangular bends that the bends contract upon compression yielding of the rail flange engaging portions, rather than expand, as is the case with yieldable spike heads now in vogue.

' This is an important consideration in the design of yieldable rail holding spike heads under `compression for the reason that the molecular structure of the bends is subject to less fatigue upon compression than upon expansion. That is, thev continued flexing of the rail fiange engaging portions from their normal positions have less disturbing effect on the molecular structure when the bends contractthan when they expand with a corresponding less likelihood of eventual rupture of the stock of which the spikes are constructed.

While the spike according to Figures 1 to 6 is illustrated as of rectangular cross section it may be of other forms, such as square, circular, hexagonal etc. The essential feature being that thespike be constructed as to provide normally dii/erging yieldable shank portions, each provided with a bent form head and each head including -a relatively long rail flange engaging portion which upon upward movement of the rail results in contraction of the bent head, and means associated with the shank portions for precluding withdrawal of the spike from the tie.

While as before stated, the spikes may be driven by any suitable means, a tool suchas illustrated in Figure 4 is preferable in that by the use thereof the spikes can all be driven to a uniform dstanceand withuniform tension in the rail flange engaging portions I6.

A modified form of spike Illa is disclosed in Figures '7, 8 and 9. This form of spike is also constructed from a single unitary strip of spring steel which is bent upon itself providing the normally diverging shank portions |2a and the shank Ila is preferably bevelled off at 18a as in the first form of the invention.

This form of spike however, has only one rail flange engaging portion and is so constructed that one shank portion l2-a extends vertically upwards providing a vhammer or maul engaging portion while the other shank portion |2a is bent outwardly providing a closed loop or bent portion 26, thence a downwardly curved rail flange engaging portion 28, the portions 21 and 28 extending to one side of the opposed shank portion l2a for unrestricted flexing of such portions V2" and 28 upon vertical vibration of the rail.

It is to be particularly noted that while this form of spike differs substantially from that of Figures 1 to 6 it nevertheless possesses a common characteristic in that the bent or loop portion 26 contracts upon upward flexing of the rail flange engaging portion 28.

, A further desirable feature of this form of spike is its marked tendency to increase its grip upon the tie plate as well as the rail flange upon movement of the rail upwardly in the vibratory movement thereof. This increased gripping action is due to the fact that` upon upward flexingvof portion r28 and consequent greater gripping of the rail flange the loop 26 will partially close and will be drawn inward and downward on top of the tie plate resulting in an increased gripping action thereon.

The` bends or bows l1 of Figures 1 to 6 may be utilized in this form of spike if desired. `Furthermore, a tool similar to that disclosed in Figure fi may be utilized instead of driving the spike by hammer impacts upon the projection` 25.

As A-will be observed upon inspection of Figure 8, the spike head is endowed with marked flexibility due to the twist in and around the projection 25 and while marked flexibility is present, the rail fiange engaging portion possesses sufficient resistance to fiexure as to hug thefrail flange at all times and thereby positively maintain same against movement except for the vibrations which are always present when rolling stock moves thereover. i

In Figures 10 and 11 is illustrated a1stil1 further `form of spike. This form of spike has a single shankl portion |2b, the spike being constructed of a length or strip of spring steel which is not bent upon itself as in the previously described'forms. The head of this spike however, is similar to that disclosed in Figures '7, 8 and r9, in that it embodies a closed rounded portion 26a, an `inwardly and upwardly extending portion 27a and a downwardly curved rail flange engaging portion 28a. i With this form of spike the closed rounded portion 26a will also contract upon upward flexure ofl portion 28a and as the rail flange f moves upwardly constantly increased pressure of portion 28a thereon will result thereby positively preventing creepinguof the rail. Furthermore, the rounded portion 26a will bind with constantly increased pressure on the tie plate as it contracts due to the upward flexing of the portion 28a.

In other words, the higher the rail moves in its vibratory movement the greater is the binding action of the spike head on both the rail and the tie plate.

The shank |2b of this form of spike is constructed for most effective purchase in a wood tie and includes a bevel 30 `at one side of the shank and at the lower end thereof.

This bevel will provide unstabilized reaction on opposite sides of the spike upon same being driven into the tie with the result that the spike shank will bend from the normal vertical position indicated by dotted lines in a direction opposite to the bevel 3U. Y

The shank I2b is preferably provided With teeth or gashes 3| intermediate its length and at the bevel side thereof and also with teeth 32 adjacent the free end at the side thereof opposite` the bevel 30.

These teeth or gashes 3l and 32 it will be noted are positioned at the points lengthwise of the shank where the reaction of the shank is greatest and is substantially normal to the vertical f whereby such teeth will embed themselves in the wood without any substantial tearing of the grain thereof.

Thus when this improved spike is driven into a wood tie as illustrated in Figure 10 it will obtain a positive interlock `with the tie and will therefore be retained against becoming loose and moving vertically upwards as has been a serious objection with spikes heretofore used or proposed. y InFigures 12, 13 and 14 is disclosed a still further 'modified form of spike. 'This form of spike is' similar to that of Figures 1 to 6 in that Ait has a two point contact with-the rail flange.

The spike in accordance with this embodiment of the invention comprises shank portions l2c bevelled olic at their lower ends at |8c. 'I'he shanks I2C are each bent outwardly at its 'upper end` in opposed directions as indicated at 35, thence inwardly at 36Vand thence downwardly and outwardly at 31. The portions 36 and 31 at their junctions provide abutments 38 which contact opposed faces of the shank portions |2c thereby providing a pair of closed loops or bends 39 defining oblong openings asV indicated in Figul'eV 12.

n The portions 35 and 31 are gradually bent laterally inwardly of the shanks |2c whereby the tips of the portions 31 engage the rail flanges j as indicated in Figure 13.

This form of spike in common with those previously described, particularly Figures 1 to 6 inclusive, embodies a head including bends,V curves orarcuate portions which contract upon upward iiexing or compression of the rail iiange engaging portions 31.

This form of spike may if desired be provided withthe bends or bows l1 of Figures 1 to 6.

' `In Figures 15, 16 and 17 is disclosed a still further modied form of spike. This form of spike includes normally diverging shank portions |2d and a tapered free end 18d. In this form of spike one shank portionv I2d is'bent outwardly and upwardly at 4B, thence downwardly at 4| thence downwardly and inwardly at 42, the portion 42 preferably being offset at 43 for greater flexibility as well as freedom of action of the rail ange engaging tip end of the portion 42.

The portions 4| and 42 are gradually deflected laterally whereby to position the tip of portion 42 in rail flange engaging position to one side of the shank portions 12d.

This form of spike retains the common and desirable characteristics of all the spikes heretofore described in that the curve or bend defined by the portions 40--42 contracts upon upward movement of the rail. Furthermore, in this form of spike the loop defined by the bent portions 40-42 is oblong thereby providing increased iiexibility while still possessing sufficient resistance to flexure as to hold the rail in normal position.

The opposed shank portion 12d of this spike isbent outwardly at 44, downwardly at 45 and terminates in an outwardly curved tie plate engaging portion 46 thereby serving as a stop to limit movement of the spike into the tie.

This stop not only limits the driving of the spike into the tie but by its use the spikes will all be driven with a uniform tension on all of the yieldable heads thereof.

In Figures 18 and 19 is disclosed a still further modified form of spike.

This form of spike is similar to that disclosed Y in Figures 15, 16 and 17, differing therefrom mainly in that the lateral bend in the head is omitted, the spike according to Figures 18 and 19 being positioned at right angles to that of Figures 15, 16 and 17.

The reference characters of Figures 15, 16 and 17 are accordingly similarly applied to Figures 18 and 19. v

In Figure 20 is illustrated a spike whose rail flange engaging portion is similar to that of Figures 15 and 18 and is likewise designated.

This spike however includes an improved form oftie plate engaging stop which is providedby bending o-ne of the shank portions I2d outwardly at 48; downwardly and inwardly at 49 and thence outwardly and downwardly at 50.

Thus the stop includes reverse bends with the outwardly opening one abutting the adjacent shank portion at 5 I. This provides a stop having sufcient rigidity to positively preclude the spikes being driven too far into the tie as well as assuring uniform tension in the heads of all the spikes.

From the foregoing disclosure it will readily be seen that my improved rail spike in all the physical embodiments thereof herein disclosed includes a tie plate and rail flange engaging head having one or more bends and an under-slung rail ange engaging portion whereby such head permits movement of the rail as occasioned by vibration and at the same time maintains firm contact with the rail flange and prevents creeping or tipping of the rails.

Furthermore the Shanks of the spikes are so constructed that they obtain a maximum frictional grip in the ties and in some forms thereof they positively engage the ties or tie plates in addition to such frictional grip whereby there'i's no tendency of same being shifted from their xed position under the flexing of the yieldable heads as occasioned by vibration of the rails.

The spikes are simple in construction, easy to install and due to the under-slung disposition of the rail flange engaging portions will remain serviceable indefinitely.

While I have disclosed certain specific embodiments of my invention, sameare to be considered as illustrative only, and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being defined in the sub-joined claims.

What I claim and desire to secure by United States Letters Patent is:

1. A rail securing spike comprising a shank Y portion adapted to be driven into a railway cross'- tie at one side of a railway rail and provided at the upper end of the shank with duplicate spring arms extending in opposite directions lengthwise of the rail and deflected laterally thereof for clampingly engaging a flange of the rail.

2. A rail securing spike comprising a spring metal strip vfolded upon itself to provide a laminated shank portion adapted to be driven into a railway cross-tie at one side of a railway rail, each member of the shank having at its upper end a spring arm extending outwardly from the shank body, the two spring arms being of duplicate construction and extending in opposite directions lengthwise of the rail and deflected laterally thereof for clamping engagement with a flange of the rail.

3. A rail securing spike comprising an elongated shank and a yieldable head, the shank including a pair of bar portions having adjacent sides for engagement when the shank is in operative position, the head including a curved spring arm in continuation of each shank portion, the arms being on opposite sides of they plane of said adjacent sides and terminating in spaced rail flange engaging portions laterally of corresponding sides of said shank portions which are normal to said plane.

4. A track spike for operative association with an apertured tie plate and a rail supported thereon comprising an elongated shank and a yieldable head, the shank including a pair of bar portions adapted to be driven through the aperture in the tie plate adjacent an edge of the rail iiange with said shank portions disposed in parallelismwith said edge, the head including spring arms extending in opposite directions from the upper ends of said shank portions in substantial parallelism with said edge and terminating in rail flange engaging portions in spaced relation 1ongitudinally of the rail and disposed to one side of said shank in a direction toward the web of said rail.

5. A track spike comprising an elongated shank and a yieldable head, the shank including a pair of bar portions of rectangular cross section having adjacent sides for contact in applied position of the spike, the head including a spring arm in continuation of each shank portion, said spring arms extending oppositely from the plane of said contacting sides and terminating in rail flange engaging portions at opposite sides of and in equally spaced relation to said plane and to one side of the plane of adjacent lateral sides of said shank portions normal to said contacting sides.

6. A track spike comprising an elongated shank and a yieldable head, the shank including a pair of bar portions of rectangular cross section having adjacent sides for contact in applied position of the spike, the head including spring arms in continuation of the upper ends of said shank portions and extending in opposite directions from said plane in closed loop formation and terminating in spaced rail flange engaging portions laterally of corresponding lateral sides of said shank portions normal to said contacting sides.

'7. A track spike according to claim 6 wherein said flange engaging portions are substantially below the upper ends of said shank portions and in substantially transverse alinement therewith.

S. A track spike comprising an elongated shank and a yieldable head, the shank including a pair of bar portions of rectangular cross section united at their lower ends and normally diverging upwardly therefrom, the head including spring arms extending from the upper ends of the shank portions in directions away from the outer diverging walls thereof in closed loop formation with underslung rail iiange engaging portions extending downwardly and toward the inner di- Vcrging walls of the shank portions and terminating in spaced relation at one side of the plane of corresponding lateral walls of said shank portions.

9. A track spike according .to claim 8 wherein said shank portions are provided with opposed outward bends providing shoulders for engaging the under surface of a tie plate adjacent a shank engaging aperture therein.

10. A track spike comprising an elongated shank and a yieldable head, the shank including a pair of bar portions of rectangular cross section having adjacent contacting sides, the head including spring arms extending from the upper ends of said shank portions in opposite directions away from said contacting sides, the arms forming with the corresponding shank portions substantially closed loops and including downwardly and oppositely exte'nding portions away from said contacting sides and terminating in spaced rail flange engaging points at one side 'of the plane of corresponding lateral sides of said shank portions.

11. A track spike according to claim 10 wherein shoulders are provided at the juncture of said downwardly and oppositely extending portions with said loops for pressure contact with adjacent sides of corresponding shank portions upon upward eXing of said downwardly and oppositely extending portions as occasioned by wave motion in a rail.

12. A track spike comprising an elongated shank and a yieldable head, the shank including a pair of bar portions of rectangular cross section having adjacent contacting sides, the head including spring arms unitary with said shank portions and providing rail flange engaging portions equally spaced from opposite sides of the plane of said contacting sides, and disposed at one side of the plane of corresponding lateral sides of said shank portions, said rail ange engaging portions being disposed below the upper ends of said shank portions and merging into rounded shoulders for pressure contact with adjacent sides of corresponding shank portions, and said shoulders merging into substantially closed loops adjacent the upper ends of said shank portions.

GEORGE W. MULLER. 

